Exclusive: West Ham offer 'magician' a contract after also agreeing £13m Banzuzi deal, but Spurs in talks too

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TBR Football understand West Ham United have now made a pre-contract offer to Angel Gomes, although Tottenham Hotspur are also in talks.

The Hammers are starting to become active in the winter transfer window.

TBR Football understand West Ham saw a bid rejected for Ezechiel Banzuzi by OH Leuven on Tuesday – although the Hammers have now agreed a £13m deal for the Netherlands U21 international.

Sources have also told TBR Football that Graham Potter wants Angel Gomes at West Ham – along with the England international’s Lille teammate Jonathan David.

Now, we understand a pre-contract has just been offered to one of those players in Angel Gomes.

West Ham offer Angel Gomes a contract – but Tottenham also in talks

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football – has now been informed that West Ham have made an offer to the England international ahead of his Lille contract expiring in June.

We understand Tottenham have also held talks with the Lille No.8’s representatives and are ready to make an offer too.

Sources add that Gomes is currently in talks with over six clubs as the 24-year-old plans his next step.

TBR Football have been told that Potter views the aforementioned Banzuzi as the first part of a midfield overhaul at the London Stadium – which he hopes will include the Manchester United academy graduate as well.

Gomes has made 16 appearances in all competitions for Lille so far this season – scoring one goal while also providing one assist.

TBR Football understand Gomes has already told Lille he plans to leave – and will not be signing a new contract.

Angel Gomes has been called a “magician”

If Gomes accepts West Ham’s offer, the east Londoners would be getting a special player.

The Londoner has previously been labelled a “magician” by Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo, who played with the West Ham target at U17 level for England.

Eulogising over his pal, the 24-year-old said: “He is definitely one of the best players I have played with. He's like a magician. He's a small player, but is so smart and he just knows how to get around the pitch.”

French football expert Julien Laurens also told the BBC that Gomes is undoubtedly one of the best in France.

The 44-year-old said: “He's one of the best players in Ligue 1, there's no doubt. The fans love him. A player that you enjoy watching because he's just so elegant, so creative, such a great touch.

“If you know your football, you know that teams need players like Angel Gomes – who make everything click.”